The way to approach iTunes is what is its functionality, the pros and cons of its actions, and whether it accomplishes it well.
Functionality-wise, it works. People should remember the days of when devices would be USB'ed into a computer and not work. I can hook up an iPhone, an iPod touch, and iPod shuffle and the system instantly recognizes them, checks them for any discrepancies between the two and will allow me to sync and backup. I cannot say the same for my Windows Phone 8.1 which getting to a mass storage state requires planetary alignments and a passing comet (Microsoft, please fix this!).
Pros:
-Your device is recognized, has a graphic showing you the device and provides you with great information on the contents of the device. You can also make changes and back up individual game state files in the iTunes.
-Backups and restores are simple.
-You can transfer photos from the file system to your hard drive outside of iTunes.
-You can keep track of authorized and non-authorized devices on your own computer without having to go through a web portal.
Cons:
-iTunes is constantly changing the user interface between versions and makes it a learning curve period of about four tries before learning where the buttons are and the path to accomplishing tasks. All of this done without any easy to follow instructions.
-The first install of iTunes on a new system is great, however, each additional update places a small unnoticeable mess on my computer (in terms of start up time and interaction), by the time I am on the tenth version update, I am questioning the usefulness of the program.
-Music transfer between devices and ripping from CD's has a steep Choose Your Own Adventure feeling to it. Ripping a CD meant you had to choose between the AAC and MP3 format, while you can change these later, it is a pain. Transfer between devices has a prompt on whether you own the music. Compare this transfer within the Android or Windows Phone mass storage method and it is simply a drag and drop in the explorer file system.
Summary: iTunes creates a walled off system, but accepting it is much better than the messes that were preceding it.